The Torre del Mar hotel is perfectly situated for the ideal Ibiza holiday. Standing proudly on a small peninsula jutting out from the promenade that extends from Ibiza Town to Las Salinas, the hotel occupies one of the most enviable locations on Ibiza.
From any of the frontline bedrooms, suites and terraces, guests can enjoy a panorama that sweeps from the walled citadel of Dalt Vila to the left to the far end of the long beach next to it with vistas of Formentera in the distance along the way.
Step outside the hotel and it's a choice between the bright lights of the resort Playa d'en Bossa or turning right and taking a gentle stroll towards the cosmopolitan attractions of Ibiza Town. Less than 100 metres away are regular ferry services to Formentera and Ibiza Town. A car is almost superfluous.
elegant re-fresh
Reclining elegantly in the shade
This hotel is a truly family-run institution. Brother and sister hoteliers Rafa and Juana Maria are the third generation of the family to run the hotel and they are currently overseeing the fourth phase of the latest, and most ambitious, re-development yet of their elegant premises. The fifth and final phase will be a re-imagining of the iconic exterior facade and an extension of the already considerable conference facilities.
Our mission was to run try out the newly renovated pool terrace and the freshly installed spa facilities that opened this year. The Torre del Mar pool makes the perfect focal point for the whole complex.
Substantially extended, the pool surrounds a pirate tower that's easily identifiable to visitors arriving by air. Glittering water laps the edge of the tower before disappearing below, creating a variety of amusing illusions, depending on the light. At night it transforms into a surreal vision of vivid colour.
Towering above
Time to bliss out in the new, extended swimming pool
The pool is now so large it forms a shimmering oasis which makes a great alternative to visiting a crowded beach. Owing to the glass wall surround, it now connects visually all around with the Mediterranean beyond.
Noticeably absent was the splashing and shouting of children. Instead the pool area is filled with the lively chatter of guests obviously enjoying their stay. Ambient music is quiet and discreet, with entertainment provided from midday and changing daily. Today, a saxophonist would be lightening the atmosphere at the pool bar, a definite tick for us.
We began the day with a healthy selection of fruits, cereals and juices from the extensive breakfast buffet. Nothing too heavy before taking a brisk jog along the 3 km promenade and back along the sand.
work out, revive, repeat
After the weights are over - in the spa's sauna
Then it was straight into the gym to work up a sweat on the machines and free weights in preparation for a relaxing session in the hydrotherapy spa. The combination of steam room, sauna, ice shower and powerful water jets was the perfect tonic for cleansing and reviving tired muscles.
Every guest is entitled to one visit to the spa each day and more hands-on treatments and massages, provided by Ibiza Massage, can be booked at the spa reception.
Leaving the spa via the upper level Excellence Terrace, one can relax on any of the double day-beds and enjoy the amazing view - including the mega-yachts bobbing lazily at anchor in the distance. Or one can cool off in the large open air Jacuzzi before descending to the pool terrace for a swim.
Locally-sourced food
Our lunch of Fideoa Gandiense loaded with seafood
Beside the pool is the Miramar Restaurant, open all day . As you might expect from a hotel run by locals, the menu offers international options but also reflects local tastes and includes many locally-sourced products.
We settled into a traditional lunch, proudly presented by our waiter that included a fine selection of Ibizan cheeses and embutidos, salamis and air-cured hams from mainland Spain. The main course was a spectacular Fideoa Gandiense, a popular paella alternative made with noodles, packed with seafood and rich in flavour.
Spanish wines and Cavas, many of which are produced on the island, and Champagnes dominate the wine list. Alongside the great food, a decent selection of cocktails is available for around €10 each.
A beautiful panorama from the Torre del Mar gardens
The Torre del Mar is by no means a party hotel but is the perfect place for hedonist guests to rest and recover from the effects of the temptations beyond its borders. The renovation has been carried out with its well-heeled, adult clientele in mind and everywhere you look the level of finish is the highest quality.
The Torre del Mar hotel is a stand-out and exceptional venue and with its rather fabulous facilities, it is ready to be enjoyed to the max by a new generation of guests .
